MLB Rumors

Mets rookie Juan Lagares hit first major league homer Sunday against the Cubs, a tying, two-run drive in the seventh inning against Cubs starter Travis Wood. He had his second double in the game as well.

The home run provided the first RBI of Lagares' career and he also had his first multi-hit game. Lagares came into the contest batting .139 (5 for 36) in his first 17 games.

Mets shortstop Ruben Tejada ended his multi-hit slump at 10 games Sunday against the Cubs by going 2 for 4. He added one run.

Tejada came into the game mired in a 3-for-36 slump, which dropped his season average from .252 to .211. He's now hitting .219 after 41 games.

Reds starter Homer Bailey took a no decision despite seven shutout innings Sunday against Philadelphia.

Bailey allowed just five hits and a walk over his seven innings and struck out three, but Jonathan Broxton and Aroldis Chapman each gave up runs en route to a Phillies ninth inning comeback. Bailey's ERA fell to 3.09.

Reds outfielder Jay Bruce hit his fifth home run in Sunday's loss to Philadelphia.

The home run, a solo shot, was Bruce's only hit of the day. His line sits at .279/.323/.458. Bruce has not posted a slugging percentage below .470 since his rookie year in 2008.

Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy, who moved into the leadoff spot Sunday for the first time since 2009, hit a go-ahead, solo home run in the eighth inning, lifting New York to a 4-3 win against the Cubs. The home run also extended Murphy's hitting streak to eight games.

Murphy, who finished 1 for 4 with two runs, is batting .469 (15 for 32) with two home runs, five RBI, five doubles and seven runs during his hitting streak.

Mets closer Bobby Parnell retired the side in order in the ninth inning, striking out two, and secured his sixth save in a 4-3 win Sunday against the Cubs. Half of Parnell's saves have come in the last four days.

Parnell hasn't allowed a run in eight May outings, striking out eight batters in eight innings.

Cubs starter Travis Wood turned in a solid performance but did not factor into the decision Sunday afternoon against the Mets.

Wood, who made his ninth start of the season, pitched five scoreless innings before surrendering a run-scoring single to David Wright in the sixth and a two-run home run to Juan Lagares in the seventh. He was charged with three runs and five hits over seven innings of work. He struck out three, walked two and also helped his cause with a two-run home run in the fifth inning.

Wood has not allowed more than three runs in a start this season. He is scheduled to make his next start Saturday at Cincinnati. He gave up two runs and four hits over 6 1/3 innings of work in his previous meeting against the Reds on April 22.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman blew his second save of the season in Sunday's loss to Philadelphia.

It looked like Chapman had everything under control after he picked off Cliff Lee, who was pinch hitting for Delmon Young -- yes, you read that right -- but back-to-back homers from Erik Kratz and Freddy Galvis -- yes, your read that right -- tied the game and then gave Philadelphia the victory. Chapman has already given up three home runs this season, one less than all of last year. His ERA rose to 3.32 as a result.

Mets starting pitcher Dillon Gee allowed less than four runs for just the third time in eight starts Sunday against the Cubs. Gee was in line to take the loss before New York rallied for a 4-3 win.

Gee was battled in a scoreless duel until opposing pitcher Travis Wood connected for a two-run homer off the right-hander in the fifth inning. Gee then allowed a solo home run to Ryan Sweeney in the sixth inning. He was charged with three runs on eight hits and one walk, while striking out six in five-plus innings. Gee's ERA actually declined from 6.13 to 6.04.

Gee, who is winless in his last three starts, will return to action Saturday against the Braves. Gee is 3-2 with a 3.13 ERA in eight career starts against Atlanta.

Orioles outfielder Adam Jones went 2 for 4 at the plate with two singles on Sunday during a loss to the Rays. Jones also stole two bases in the game. 

The center fielder drove in a run in the fourth inning with an RBI single to left to tie the game at one run apiece. He stole two bases and now has seven on the year. He's batting .322. 

Jones has hit in four straight games and has gone 7 for 18 over that stretch with a homer and five RBI. He's up to six homers and 30 RBI on the year.